Meta-Game

Meta-games are the Smell-O-Vision of videogames. The central idea that drives them is a potential next-level of interaction for games that transcends the traditional forms. Proponents of meta-games think that games can be cracked open and woven into daily life. In so doing, games become socially legitimate as an activity, enhancing life in many small and hidden ways, and joy spreads.

The problem is that meta-games don’t scale. They tend to have game dynamics that the play brain either figures out an optimal strategy for very quickly, or not at all, and so finds its maximum mastery very fast. Therefore most meta-games tend to only attract small, but very loyal, audiences who believe in the spirit of the game.